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13: Reflective blog post

This would be the last blog post for this semester, so I thought it would be good to reflect on the many activities I carried out during this module and my main takes from it.

When reflecting on this research and practice module course, I was asked to define research and how this can influence and help improve my approach to creative practice. With this activity, I realised that I had done these two processes separately. Before this, it never occurred to me that I could develop new ideas, concepts, or hypotheses by informing one and another. Here is where I grasped that research and practice could act as enquiring processes on how to undertake my research work better and how creative practice and vice versa. Thinking back to my approach, it didn't follow any structure, so following a system has made me more selective, critical, and reflective of my work was helpful. This can be particularly helpful when getting lots of research too often or gathering too much information that can make you feel stuck or overwhelmed. I then move into studying the two type of practice approaches: practice-based and practice-led research. Practice-based is more about getting new knowledge through the impletion of creative artefacts and practice-led more about the nature and essence of the practice and developing this one. I also read various case studies and examples of these two that help me understand them better. As I continue to progress on my work, I also learnt to navigate on Study Net and keep track of my source using referencing software. After this, I needed to produce an annotated bibliography and write two critical analysis relevant to my project. These activities were new to me, so it took a while to get comfortable with them. I have to keep going back and forward and rereading the course material.  Another area of study was Positivistic or Phenomenological research methodologies. I wasn't familiar with some of these, but I've used surveys, case studies, and practice inquiries. The next activity was the movement brief and was one of my favourite activities because I managed to develop multipurpose sustainable furniture for my project. While the next assignment asks me to review my blog to see whether I've been on track and post regularly, writing on this reflective blog has been one of my favourite activities, together with the poster presentation and critical gallery activities. This has to do with how much I enjoy working on more creative activities than academic ones. Overall, this module provided new learnings on research methodologies and practice approaches that I can use in future modules and help me improve others, like critical, reflective thinking and creative thinking that I'm looking to apply in future modules. Lastly, I want to end this blog by introducing my sustainable Scandinavian inspired furniture collection in response to climate change and moderns ways of living, which I designed during this semester for my MA proposal.

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12: Critical gallery

In this activity, I reflected on the strength and weakness of this module which areas I enjoyed the most or least and reflected on the learnings and skills I develop this semester. This activity was very insightful and allowed me to be self-reflective and critical of my practice and the learnings outcomes I achieved during these course modules. I realised that I like working on the project's research areas and development areas the most. They were mentioned various times when answering which part I enjoy the most and where my strength lies. There were other areas I didn't enjoy as much or find quite monotonous, like writing critical essays, producing an annotated bibliography and keeping track of sources. These were areas that I wasn't familiar with but managed to improve during this course module. Overall, this activity allowed me to gain perspective on the areas and skills that need improving, such as academic writing, managing my project, working on my sketching and presentation skills.

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11: Poster and spoken presentation

In this activity, I needed to design a visual poster presentation of my MA project. The presentation explained the what's, why's, and who's of my project proposal, specifically my furniture collection. Here I highlighted the main objectives behind the furniture collection: sustainability, the research methodologies, creative practices that inform my project and the results this provided and how I went about resolving these problems, as well as giving a conclusion on whether I managed to answer successfully the aims and objectives I had in mind for my furniture collection. I believe this activity help capture the essence of the MA project, and it can be beneficial when I want to give a quick and insightful pitch of my MA project and furniture project. This activity was gratifying because it was a more visual and creative activity than some of the previous activities in this course, which required quite a lot of writing.

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10: One topic different perspectives

“Movement”

The following course activity required me to develop a short proposal on how I would develop a creative research project on "Movement". This activity was crucial for my project as it provided a breakthrough for my furniture collection. My first approach for this activity was to write synonyms of the word movement and come out with various ideas like making furniture that allows for movement and changes within residential or commercial spaces and for users to switch from one activity to another easily. I also talked about how curved edges and organic shapes can also be described as movement. By combining these two ideas, I created an organically shaped sustainable furniture collection that is multipurpose for residential and commercial use that can adapt quickly to different daily tasks. I think this activity turned so well because it allowed me to think outside the box and was quite broad. I just tend to do better when working on creative activities; it comes quite natural to me.

How would you develop the topic? 

When starting to work on the movement topic, I thought the best way to approach it would be to define what this word means and writing synonyms of this word. I also came out with the idea p of incorporating movement into my furniture collection by experimenting with organic shapes. After doing this, I brainstorm different ideas like building multipurpose, such as furniture with dual functionality like a dining table or desk, a bench or coffee table, a side table or stool, and a dining chair or desk chair. I then sketch some ideas and slowly move into a more curved design and reach a final design when producing the technical drawings. 

What would the final outcomes be? 

The outcomes I want to achieve through this brief are to design a sustainable furniture collection that is functional and organically shaped for either residential or commercial spaces. I also want to provide users with comfortable and adaptable furniture that seamlessly accommodate and embrace peoples modern ways of living. With this project, I tend to create a sustainable furniture collection that is Scandinavian inspired and gives people the versatility they need when performing different day to day tasks or activities.

What methodology would you choose for your creative investigation into the topic of 'Movement'?

This project would use a mixture of literature reviews, surveys, experimental studies, case studies, and participative inquiry. I think reviewing the relevant data on this furniture from various sources such as books, journals, online resources, magazines, etc. It would help me gather inspiration and learn more about what is desired and available in the market already. On the other hand, surveys can provide new insights about my furniture collection and what is expected by understanding my client's needs and asking peers, colleagues and industry professionals for feedback. Case studies can be a great source of information, mainly because they are based on projects or topics that have been analysed for a period to present a thesis or hypothesis. It would be interesting to study related case studies about sustainable and multipurpose furniture and improve my collection. With experimental studies, I can learn a lot about its construction and experiment with prototypes of the designs. Participatory enquiry is a great way to get inputs and ideas from industry professionals, colleagues and peers on one's approach to research or designs and hopefully come out with something innovative.

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09: What is your methodology?

For this activity on the research and practice, I needed to reflect on my research and creative practice process and the methodologies I have previously used or intended to apply to help me deliver my aims and objectives for my furniture collection successfully. I also analysed some of the reading material leading to this course activity, like the introduction to the book edited by 'Smith, H. & Dean, R. (2009), entitled, "Practice-led Research, Research-led Practice in the Creative Arts." I enjoy working on this activity, going through my previous process, and learning new ways to approach research and creative practice. This activity was a productive one where I improved those skills and produced new avenues into my furniture collection.

How would you define your practice in relation to the concept of practice as research, practice-based and practice-led research?

Looking back at the research work I have done some far and the different approaches I used to inform my project further, I feel practice as research has been a massive contributor to the development of my furniture collection. By gathering and analysing the relevant literature regarding my topic, I learned about the various sustainable materials, manufacturing and transportation methods, and how a circular design can reduce waste and resources overuse. I also read about the history of Scandinavian design (form and function) and investigated the human needs of people today. Gathering this data was a huge help when starting my creative practice process, which involved applying critical and reflecting thinking when exploring initial ideas and concepts for the furniture collection. However, I do think my research has a more practice-based approach than a practice-led one. For example, I used various creative techniques like idea generation, gathering inspiration through different imagery and other designers work, sketching and producing technical drawings. While with practice-led, I ordered multiple wood samples and investigated their characteristics and properties. This helped me select the type of wood most suitable (beech) for my collection and determine which sustainable manufacturing and transportation methods would be more appropriate. I think there would be further used of practice-led research once I start the manufacturing and transportation process.

It is believed that artistic research processes are often iterative or cyclic. Do you agree? What is your understanding of the iterative cyclic web model as illustrated in the introduction to the book edited by 'Smith, H. & Dean, R. (2009) which is entitled, "Practice-led Research, Research-led Practice in the Creative Arts'?"

Yes, I do agree with this statement. In my own experience as an Interior designer, designing for projects has always been a process with various steps that frequently

repeat themselves that intend to inform one and another and improve one's designs. For example, the iterative cyclic model by Smith and Dean shows various repetitive steps, areas and subareas that are interconnected and inquiring each other. They intend to allow the researcher to evaluate, test and implement any findings accordingly to create new ideas. Academy research, research-led practice and practice-led research are at the core of this research and creative research process and are imperative for developing any project. Each stage of this research then moves into various sub-areas where information is gathered, digested, analysed, and ideas and concepts generated. These are then closely examined, tested and compared to the data available to improve one's project and innovate.

How is a given methodology relevant to your own research proposal?

When learning and analysing the various methodologies, I believe the most suitable methods are literature review, case studies, and participate studies. My furniture collection required me to look into the most sustainable materials, manufacturing and transportation methods. I learned about these by gathering relevant data from books, journals, online sources and reading case studies. Through surveys and participation studies, I can gain valuable feedback and new insights from potential clients, colleagues, and industry professionals about my take on furniture collection.

Which is the more effective: using one methodology or more methodologies? Would you use multiple methodologies in your research? Why?

In my opinion, using multiple methodologies is more effective when approaching one's research. It can help deliver better results, provide different angles and help discover any flaws in the design. This can help the researcher to achieve its goal and to innovate. Yes, I'll use various methodologies as I feel this would provide the project with more depth and help me deliver my desired outcomes for the furniture collection.

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08: Methodologies in practice

In this exercise, I needed to reflect on the course material on practice as research, practice-based, practice-led research and research methodologies. This was a highly informative activity where I learned and developed my understanding of these research methods in order to apply the correct ones when developing my furniture project further. Before this assignment, I wasn't aware of the many research practices available in these course module and how these could help me to inform my research practice better and choose the ones that might allow me to innovate on my project.

The additional support materials have presented a number of research methodologies that are employed in Positivistic and Phenomenological research. We would like you to reflect on the notion of practice as research, practice-based and practice-led research. You should consider them in relation to research methodologies and describe what you consider to be the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology when used in creative research.

Practice as research is a process that allows the use of creative practices to engage with one's topic critically and can provide new knowledge and avenues for it too. It does this by collecting and analysing different concepts and theories and applying a combination of critical and creative thinking to those in order to create new well-informed ideas and insights to one's research. To do this, it's imperative for a project to successfully implement the two types of practice as research approaches: practice-based and practice-led research. Practice-based research allows for the investigation of ideas through different creative outputs, and if those bring new knowledge, this is used as part of the research. While practice-led research provides more in-depth knowledge through the actual implementation of practice and the development and testing of this process - leading to new research insights. 

Can all methodologies be used in creative research? If yes, why? If not, why not? Please respond by taking into account each of the methodologies listed in the additional support materials.

Yes, I believe using the various research methodologies in creative research can provide valuable information and knowledge that might not have been thought out or explored. It seems sensible to contemplate at least one or a couple when working through the research process to obtain the best result. However, I think particular methodologies can provide more concrete insights than others depending on the topic and the goal we are looking to achieve. 

Surveys

Surveys can allow the researcher to have an outside perspective on a topic or project, and this can spark new ideas that can steer one design in a way we might not have thought. This is particularly valuable when trying to work on a project for a specific group that needs to meet a certain aesthetic or its design for a particular task or purpose. It would definitely have a knock-on effect on creative research by establishing a clearer direction for its project.

Experimental studies

Experimental studies can offer a more structure and hang on type of approach to one's research. For this, the researcher would need to engage in on-site practice and carefully evaluate and record the results. These findings can then be used to inform the creative research by providing a more controlled and rigorous approach, leading to breakthroughs when combining the two.

Longitudinal studies

Longitudinal studies can be especially helpful when gathering specific data about a topic and observing how this changes over a long time. Perhaps it would not be easy to establish how much information can be useful until time has passed and the data has been evaluated to be useful in creative research.

Crossed section studies

Crossed sectional studies focus on gathering information from different people or companies at a specific point in time. This methodology can be an excellent approach when time and resources are limited and results need to be quickly obtained. In my opinion, this can be extremely valuable when applying those results to creative research as the variety of data that have been analysed and explored can generate innovative ideas that might cause a domino effect on those people and companies.

Case studies

Case studies is a type of research I'm more familiar with and regularly used when collecting data and gaining knowledge about a subject. This research form is mainly a detailed study on a topic that people have to investigate to answer questions and reach a conclusion. From my own research experience, this type of research methodology has definitely influenced how I go about my creative research since it gives in-depth knowledge and the confidence to then experiment and develop from it. 

Action research

Action research requires the researcher to find an objective on a specific topic and intervene by introducing new techniques into a situation to record and examine the results after it has been affected. I can see this working as it might bring unexpected answers or awareness into other areas that the researcher might not have thought of, influencing the creative research approach. 

Ethnography

Ethnography (participant observation) is an interesting approach to research and a unique way of enquiring information through the researcher's participation on the subject being examined, which is the study of societies. I believe this methodology can only be applied in particular situations where the researcher needs to gain new perspectives on the impact this will have on a specific group of people. Only then I believe this can be used as a way of informing creative research. 

Participate enquiry

Participate enquiry is a methodology I have used in the past but didn't recognise it as such. The interchange of ideas, knowledge, theories and arguments between people collaborating and working towards the same goal can be very fruitful for developing ideas and reaching new outcomes. I tend to apply these findings to my creative research work and have been very useful in informing this area too. 

Feminist perspectives

Feminist perspectives are a research methodology where the researcher draws information from the female perspective or uses women's concerns by researching those. Gaining a deeper understanding and aiming to answer these can bring new insights into one research, especially when women have been excluded from it, and only the male perspective has been taken into consideration. This could definitely offer new knowledge and affect the way one goes about creative research. 

Grounded theory

Grounded theory is a research methodology that is in favour of gathering data in order to form theories. This is achieved by monitoring any findings that happen during the research process. Ideally, one should approach it open-minded without making assumptions on what you might find out or grasp before starting the actual process. I have never thought about reversing the research process; I usually collected data to prove the authority of those theories. I believe this would be an engaging research process to experiment with. However, I think this would require a lot of enquiry and advanced research and critical thinking skills to gain a substantial understanding of the area being explored and successfully inform the creative research.

Are there methodologies that seem particularly appropriate to creative research? Why? Please try to be specific in your analysis.

After reflecting on the various methodologies, I believe all these research methodologies seem appropriate for creative research (practice-based and practice-led research). However, the researcher needs to establish and recognise the most suitable methods and approaches for gathering and examining the most relevant data for their research topic. An excellent way to begin the creative research is looking into previous practices when collecting data, identifying the motivations, aims, goals for the project, figuring out the time and environment they need to accomplish they need to work in. Once all of these have been taken into consideration, the most suitable research methodologies can then be determined and working together with the creative research while informing each other of the findings and reaching well-studied outcomes that can be used to provide a breakthrough in projects.

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07: Critical analysis in practice

Specifications of eco-materials and their influence in the design of modern furniture

The following article is one of the two articles I chose to write about for my critical analysis in practice activity for the research and practice module. The journal was very informative and gave excellent insights into the eco-friendly materials used in modern furniture and available in the market today.

For this module, I'll be designing a sustainable Scandinavian inspired furniture collection in response to climate change and modern ways of living. I thought a good starting point for my project would be to investigate and get familiar with the eco-friendly materials available in the market and used in modern furniture. It would also be beneficial for my project to identify and recognise the most suitable green materials and their specifications. This would allow me to choose the most suitable materials for the collection that can meet the following requirements: sustainably sourced, manufactured and transported, aesthetically appealing, functional, ergonomically designed, promotes health and wellbeing, and is reasonably priced. I have chosen to analyse this article because it talks about popular eco-friendly materials such as wood, leather, stone, metals, bamboo, cork, and natural fabrics.

Additionally, it explains the differences between the two type of materials used in modern furniture: raw and artificial with raw materials taken from nature and synthetic materials, which are a mixture of natural materials with toxic ones like metal alloys, polymers, composites, technical ceramics, superconductors etc. Furthermore, the article then takes you through properties these materials need to become eco-friendly, like sustainable extracting raw materials with thermal properties that are durable and reasonably priced. It also layouts the characteristics and specifications that sustainable furniture needs to be eco-friendly, like free of toxic chemicals, minimal energy composition in manufacturing and transportation, high insulation levels, be circular and meet environmental needs. Overall, I think the researcher's views made some excellent points that helped define and understand the areas I might need to contemplate when selecting the potential materials for my collection. I would definitely encourage people to read this article, especially if they are thinking to start designing sustainable products or interiors.

Link to article: 

Namicev, P. & Tasevska, V. 2019, "Specifications of eco-materials and their influence in the design of modern furniture", Journal of Process Management. New Technologies, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 12-20.

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06: Keeping track of sources

Annotated Bibliography

Working on this activity through this course module definitely help me to keep organised during my research process. I usually tend to bookmark reading sources I found online or write notes of books or magazines on a word document. Doing this way was an advanced and detailed way of keeping track of them. Even though it felt like a lengthy and sometimes overwhelming process initially, I discover how to keep track of the sources in an organised and thorough way. It also allowed me to be more critical and analytical of my research process and sourcing materials. Before doing this process, I sometimes myself lost in research, and I learnt to chose quality over quantity when it comes to the way I go about my research and reading sources.

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05: Sources

Here I answered some question regarding my sustainable Scandinavian inspired furniture collection in response to climate change and modern ways of living. I came out with keywords related to my topic and used them as a starting point for my research. After doing this, I then chose the primary research and secondary research material I would like to read, watch, or attend to develop my topic further. This was a beneficial activity to go through since I managed to establish an initial direction of my project and the areas I needed to study to gain in-depth knowledge about my project.

What am I interested in? 

I’m interested in examining how Scandinavian design has established itself as one of the most popular and leading styles globally and how environmentally conscious they have become with their designs. I also like to explore how they managed to develop such a high level of craftsmanship, how they came to use natural materials and why they choose simplicity over any other style. Sustainable design and Wellbeing design are also other subjects that interest me and how they have managed to make their way through interior design. Both sustainability and wellbeing are two words that are often used in the same context when talking about what good design is. I would like to see how the two came together and become an essential part of the design. I also want to examine how residential and office design have adapted and evolved even with modern living challenges.

What am I particularly curious about?

I'm curious about the Scandinavian design process and how they have managed to keep up and move in with the trends. I want to also look at various sustainable materials and finishes, which have been developed and will suit this particular design style. It would be great to learn about cutting edge manufacturing technology being developed and how sustainability and wellbeing design can contribute to innovative causes. I'm also curious to study more about potential clients and how sustainable design and design for wellbeing can meet our planet environmental needs and enhance people's lives through design.

What problem(s) have I noticed? 

Even though sustainability plays a big part in Interior Design, we still haven't managed to break away from the conventional natural materials that still significantly impact the environment. There is also the manufacturing and shipping process causing toxic emulsions that are harming the environment. With 82% of people spending their time indoors, people have noticed how design plays a significant role in people's overall wellbeing and why it has become a growing topic in Interior Design and design in general.

What do you already know about the topic?

I know sustainable interior design acts for the interest of the environment, while wellbeing design acts for the welfare of the people who live in it. It makes sense why bringing these two elements into the design would become a growing trend. Scandinavian design principles are based on the form and function methodology, where functionality and aesthetics are the main principles. The style has been a prominent design because it focuses on clean lines, craftsmanship, and natural materials that have eliminated the unnecessary, only showcasing their designs' essence. While modern design borrows some of the Scandinavian features, it uses less natural material such as metal, glass and steel, which moves away from the sustainable concept that has become very popular nowadays but is still popular and relevant today. I know recycling has become popular in the industry, and innovative materials such as bamboo, cork, mushroom, and seaweed are considered materials and finishes. Manufacturing practices and the shipment of products have become more sustainable too. For example, circular design and 3d printing are innovative ways to approach this. I know interior design trends continuously change and typically borrow certain design principles and elements from other periods, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the latest trends. It can give designers great insights into how the industry is continuously evolving and changing. Another excellent access to interior design has been the invention of smart technologies, which are providing consumers with the necessary tools to live more efficient and sustainable lives. Overall I have basic knowledge of my project proposal and the various subjects I'll need to investigate and dig deeper into. However, I know it would be beneficial for my research to explore other topics to bring more substance to my project.

What are the two or three key questions that interest you about your topic?

What is the future of sustainable and wellbeing design in furniture design, residential design and office design?

What other styles have Scandinavian design influenced, and what design principles can I learn from them?

Are there any other innovative materials and manufacturing methods worth exploring and considering?

Key words: 

Sustainability and wellbeing in Interior Design               

Scandinavian design

Environmentally friendly materials and finishes 

Innovative manufacturing and shipping methods

Modern residential design and office design

Interior design trends

21st century Interior Design 

Smart technologies in Interior Design 

List of reading resources:

Wellbeing in Interiors (Study Net) Ebook 

Sustainable Environment in Interior Design: Design by Choosing Sustainable Materials (Study Net) Journal

Scandinavian Design: Alternative Histories (Study Net) Ebook

The dark side of office designs: towards dehumanization (Study Net) Journal

Good Office Design (Study Net) Ebook

“Home is where the smart is”? Evaluating smart home research and approaches against the concept of home (Google Scholar) Journal

Small spaces need smart solutions: Impacts of smart Interior design solutions on achieving flexible spaces  (Google Scholar) Journal

How to make furniture industry more circular? The role of component standardisation in ready to assemble furniture (Study Net) Journal

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04: Study net

The following activity about making the best use of Study Net was very educational to go through. I wasn't familiar with this type of research program before, as most of my research was done through books, magazines and online sources. I now understand the importance of finding information from reliable sources and how vital it is for my research sources are annotated and referenced clearly. This especially crucial when trying to deliver well-informed new ideas on a project to others. Discussing any doubts about Study Net with my fellow students and tutor was also valuable and helped me clarify any reservations regarding this. It can feel pretty daunting when using it for the first time, so reading other people suggestions and tips made it easier to navigate. I believe Study Net is quite helpful when finding and organising information and a tool that has been beneficial to my project.

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03: My thoughts about critical thinking

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about critical thinking during my course module. I thought it would be a good idea to reflect on this topic concerning my research/practice and some ideas flying around my head regarding this matter.

In my opinion, critical thinking is a reflective thinking process used to study, understand and examine theories, arguments, or facts that we need to grasp to obtain or develop solid opinions, views or ideas on something. This is done by reading, observing and examining the data available and analysing our thoughts about this. When applying critical thinking to our work, one can also be looking to deliver new ideas, insights, or avenues. This is why critical thinking is a useful and desired skill to have in most jobs or disciplines. 

My project proposal focuses on design for sustainability and wellbeing in the home and workplace. I intend to find out how important the role of sustainability and wellbeing interior design plays in our society and the environment. My project involves gathering and analysing various data that needs to be digested, synthesised and analysed in detail to solve current environmental issues and healthy design choices that will enhance people's lives. Since my proposal involves investigating various contexts, I need to be sure that my critical thinking is used to the fullest when looking for answers and solutions. I'm aware that my project theme is an early stage, and it might feel quite broad at this time. This is why I'm looking to explore and allocate my findings into three different projects that focus on current issues that I feel passionate about.

Project one: A Scandinavian inspired furniture collection in response to climate change and modern ways of living. 

Project two: A sustainable residential home in response to over urbanisation and the impact this has on its residents and the environment.

Project three: An office space that meets the needs of its workers and promotes sustainability and wellbeing in the workplace.

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02: Reflect on case study

After reading the various case studies, it is evident how much of an impact our creative practice can have on one's research. Creative practice can provide new insights into our study area and take it to places we didn't know where possible if we only stuck to one method. In short, research offers theories and facts, while creative practice allows us to experiment and question them. Working and interlacing these at an early stage can positively impact a project's course and develop new ideas.

While reading through various case studies, I can see how these two (research and creative practice) were recognised and applied when working on different project proposals. As a result, the researchers managed to obtain theoretical and practical awareness of their topics. These led them to develop unique concepts or draw new conclusions in their projects or disciplines. I think that's something worth taking into consideration when approaching my project area of study. As for now, I'm aware the more I get to utilise and analyse those areas, the more likely I'm to innovate.

Before I used to look at research as a straightforward process where I was only looking to gather and digest the information acquired. Because of the amount of data, I was handling I can see why I'll sometimes get stuck in this area for too long. I now understand it would have been easier for me to simultaneously try these two methods to inform better and break down my research. On the other hand, I also saw my creative practice as a method that was only there to get my creative juices working and design something that met the brief. This will sometimes work against as my designs were too ambitious, unrealistic or not innovative enough. Perhaps now, I learned to look at these processes differently and see them as a united force working together and informing each other. I could invest that time and effort in creating groundbreaking designs either in my projects or in my field. 

Overall, I'm excited to have learned more about how my creative practice can positively impact my research throughout these case studies. I can't wait to apply these new learnings when researching my project proposal.

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01: What is research?

For this course activity on my research and practice module, I was asked to reflect on my thoughts about research from a general and personal perspective and how I usually approach it when learning more about a particular topic. This was an interesting activity to go through as I have never seen research as something I need to grasp or define. I used to think about research as a second nature activity with a straightforward approach than a systematic one. Perhaps by not establishing what it meant before starting my research process, I got lost in research more than once, and this is something I will definitely consider from now on.

Research is more than just looking to learn and getting more insights about a particular topic. It's also the exploration and questioning of those ideas and concepts. When undertaking research, one should engage with its subject in a theoretical, analytical, and practical manner. Looking at our research from different angles can help us find specific issues and take us a step closer to finding new solutions or developing new ideas. 

When I think about how I choose to go about my research and its relation to my creative practice, I usually like to inform this area by looking into various sources. It is typically a mixture of reading and visual material and data. Once I've understood and digested the new information, I proceed by analysing and questions those findings. This allows me to address any issues or problems that I can dig deeper into and potentially solve. I then like to brainstorming various ideas and concepts, and I'll say this is my exploratory phase, where I try to push any boundaries. Here, I  enjoy experiment with different mediums such as drawing sketches, producing technical drawings and even making 3D models.  

I'll then look for any flaws in my designs and ask for feedback from colleagues and peers. This process enables me to be critical of my creative practice and see how I can approach my subject differently compared to other designs. Here is where I find myself being my most creative and innovative. Once I'm happy with the outcomes, I might produce prototypes to test how my products work in real-life scenarios. At this stage, I want to feel confident and satisfied with the work I have done. For me, that's to produce beautiful designs that have answered the brief and offered solutions. Even though my research approach has worked to a certain extent, I believe one of my weaknesses is getting lost in research. Sometimes I find myself scattering so much information that breaking down can feel like a daunting and overwhelming task. I  can also be too ambitious about my ideas and concepts during my exploratory/creative phase, and I can deviate too far from my main objectives. Overall, I think research uses many thinking and explorative processes to help grasp and transform information to reach new conclusions or create innovative ideas.